Montana Man Pleads Guilty to Two Felony Wildlife Crimes

Arthur “Jack” Schubarth, an 80-year-old man from Montana, has pleaded guilty to felony wildlife crimes stemming from his elaborate plan to create and profit from massive hybrid sheep. This operation involved the illegal importation of animal parts from central Asia, cloning, and breeding to produce an enormous hybrid species. The saga unfolded over a decade, culminating in Schubarth’s recent admission of guilt to violating the Lacey Act and conspiring to do so.

The intricate scheme began in 2013 when an unnamed accomplice of Schubarth smuggled biological tissue from a Marco Polo sheep, the largest sheep species globally, into the United States. This act, in itself, was a violation of international treaties and U.S. laws protecting endangered species. Once the contraband was in Schubarth’s possession, he embarked on a process that involved cloning embryos and implanting them into ewes on his ranch.

The result was a single male Marco Polo argali, dubbed “Montana Mountain King” or MMK, which Schubarth intended to use for breeding purposes. Through artificial insemination, Schubarth created hybrid animals, crossing the MMK’s genetics with local sheep breeds. These new hybrids were meant to be sold for trophy hunting on large ranches, catering to a wealthy clientele seeking exotic game.

The audacity of Schubarth’s operation didn’t end there. He went as far as forging veterinarian inspection certificates to transport the hybrid sheep and selling semen from MMK to other breeders across the country. His illegal activities extended to offering to sell offspring from MMK, such as the “Montana Black Magic,” for significant sums of money.

The implications of Schubarth’s actions are severe. Not only did he violate laws intended to protect endangered species and prevent the spread of disease, but he also disrupted ecosystems by introducing non-native species into the environment. Moreover, his actions undermine efforts to conserve native wildlife populations and maintain ecological balance.

Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim aptly described Schubarth’s scheme as audacious, highlighting its disregard for international law and the health of native animal populations. The consequences for Schubarth could be severe, as he faces a potential prison sentence of up to five years and a hefty fine.

Ahimsa by Tiny Rescue: Animal Collection

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